Garmin has received an FAA supplemental type certification for its GFC 500 and 600 autopilots in multiple GA aircraft, the company announced on Wednesday. Approved single-engine aircraft for the GFC 500 include Cessna 210 models 210K, T210K, 210L, T210L, 210M, T210M, 210N, and T210N. The cargo pod version of the Cessna 208B is now approved for the GFC 600.
Both autopilots include solid state attitude control with self-monitoring capabilities, which offers better reliability and safety similar to Garmin’s GFC 700 autopilot. Along with standard modes such as altitude hold and vertical speed, the GFC 500 and 600 also provide additional features such as, altitude preselect, VNAV (if a GTN navigator is installed), level mode, and both underspeed and overspeed protection.
When paired with a compatible GPS navigator, the autopilots allow operators to select, couple, and fly a variety of instrument approaches, such as GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC, or back course approaches. In addition, Garmin Electronic Stability and Protection is included as standard on the GFC 500 and 600, which works independently from the autopilot to help pilots maintain control of their aircraft.
Customers who currently own a G5 electronic flight instrument can expect a suggested retail price of $6,995 for the GFC 500 with a 2-axis autopilot. The GFC 600 has a suggested retail price of $19,995 for a 2-axis autopilot with electric pitch trim.
